Improvement in fastenings for mail-bags



O. BRIED. Fastening for Mail-Bags.

No. 221,509. Patented Nov. 11,1879.

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WITNESSES: INVENTOR: M1724 M @59MW ATTDRNEYS.

- UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

CHARLES BRIED, OF NEWARK, NEW JERSEY.

IMPROVEMENT IN FASTENINGS FOR MAIL-BAGS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 221,509. dated November 11, 1879 application filed August 28, 1879.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, CHARLES BRIED, of Newark, in the county of Essex and State of New Jersey, have invented new and Improved Fastenings for Mail-Bags, of which the following is a specification.

The invention consists in a mail-bag fastening formed of four metallic strips of equal length, hinged .togetherat the ends, having axes, with perforated arms on two of said strips and slots in the two opposite ones, having the axes adapted to be revolved so as to make the perforations in the arms coincide to receive the lock, as hereinafter described.

In the drawings, Figure l is an elevation of my improved fastenings in a locked position. Fig. 2 is an elevation bf the same, showing the reverse side. Fig. 3 is a plan view with the fastenings partially open. Fig. 4 is a crosssection on line a; a: of Fig. 2. Fig.5 is a plan view.

Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts;

The bag or pouch A may be made of any usual or desired material. My fastening devices are especially adapted for use with bags made of water-proof material; but I do not limit myself in that respect.

The four strips a will usually be made of galvanized iron, of equal len gth, and arehin ged together at their ends by kn uckle-j oints to form a frame, that is attached around the mouth of the bag by riveting or otherwise, whereby the frame is securely attached to the bag.

There are two clamping devices, B. These each consist of an axial portion, 1), and 'a'rightangled tongue or arm, 0, and are fitted at opposite sides of one of the hinged joints, so that they project inward, and when the bag is closed pass through slots 01 in the opposite strips a.

The axial portions b of the clamps are shown as connected by passing through their strip a, and by a screw-ring, e, and washer, so that they may turn freely, and the rings eserve as convenient means for holding or hanging the bag; but theclanips B may be attached by any suitable means whereby the clamps are permitted to turn freely.

A strap may be passed through from one ring a to the other, to serve as a handle for the bag.

At the end of each slot (1, upon the outside of strips a, an inclined lug or projection, f, is formed, over which the arm a of clamp B moves in clamping the bag, as hereinafter described. The end of each arm 0 is apertured, so that when the arms are turned and brought together, as shown in Fig. 1, the apertures coincide, and may be secured by inserting a padlock. The projections f are formed with shoulders f, which serve as stops for the arms 0.

At the outer side and upper edge of one strip a a mortise, g, is formed, and covered by an apertured plate, It, thereby forming a pocket or recess for a card to indicate the destination of the bag. The card maybe readily inserted or removed when the bag is open; and to retain the card in place the opposite strip to is formed with a flange or projecting edge, (1/, which covers the top of mortise g when the bag is closed. To give an even appearance to the top, a similar flange or ledge, a will be applied in connection with the other strips a, as shown by Fig. 3.

In use the fastening devices described permit the bag to be opened to the extent required, and when closed the top edge of the bag is clamped firmly in a flat form between the strips a.

To fasten the bag, the clamps B are first turned so that they will pass through slots 01. The two strips a at each side are then brought together, and the arms 0 turned to clamp the bag tightly between them. The arms 0 turning upon the projections f, the edges of the bag are thereby brought tightly together; and to insure a water-tight joint a strip, 6, of rubber or other suitable material, will be applied around the inner edge of the bag.

I am aware that four plates have been hinged together, and one of them provided with a tongue adapted to enter a slot in one of the other plates, for the purpose of securing the parts together; also, that a card-pocket has been placed. on one of the strips.

Havin g thus described myinven tion,I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent-- A fastening for mail-bags that consists of to receive the lock, substantially as and for four metallic strips, 0, of equal length, hinged the purpose specified. together at their ends, having axes b b, provided with perforated arms 0 on two of said l QHAS BRIDD' strips, and in the two opposite ones slots, into Witnesses:

which said axes b b are adapted to be rc- (i110. D. \VALKER,

volved, so that the perforations may coincide t. SEDGWICK. 

